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Maddox's Arrival

We welcomed our second little boy, Maddox Donald Stanfield, at 4:25PM today. He weighed 3lbs and was 15 inches long. He appeared with a brief, faint heartrate, opened his eyes to look at his daddy, and then went home to be with our Lord.

We are doing well and so thankful for all of the prayers storming Heaven on our behalf. The Lord has been extremely faithful and answered each prayer for us... some exactly as we petitioned and others somewhat differently than we had expected... yet all answered prayers.

We will be having a memorial service at Second Baptist Church- West Campus on Saturday, January 26th, 2008, at 10am, to celebrate our Creator's faithfulness in bringing this child to us. We love our son, and our God, so much! We are so thankful for your prayers and that we could share this journey with you.

(Pictures to soon follow.)

Maddox's verse- "But now, thus says the Lord, your Creator, And He who formed you, 'Do not fear for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name; you are mine!'" Isaiah 43:1

I am heart broken but yet happy for you. Sad that you had so little time with your precious son, yet happy that he is now safe and disease free in the loving arms of Jesus. I have a friend who lost their baby 5 min, after he was born(at 23 weeks). I believe they are with Jesus together, little angels, watching over us. I will pray that God continues to hold you through this very sad time.

Kenzie,I can't wait to see pictures of your little miracle baby. No words can describe how I feel for you and Maddox. It's such a strang thing to feel this love for someone whom I have never met but know so deeply. I pray for you, I cry for you, I rejoice for you and I dream of what is ahead for you. Thanking God for all the answered prayers for sweet Maddox.Your friend with love,Kim

Weeping with joy with you...Praying the Lord's protection over every part and moment of this special time celebrating Maddox and the Lord faithfullness! looking so forward to seeing pictures of your beautiful miracle baby! i love Maddox's verse! That passage of scripture is very special to me. What an awesome gift to be called "mine" by The Creator, the Great I AM! i look forward to meeting Maddox in heaven! His impact for Christ cannot be measured, it is too great to be defined by the finite. Blessed be the name of the Lord. loving all of you and praying, jen in al

Kenzie, I don't know you but feel as though I do since I have been reading your blog over the last week have been checking and rechecking your blog many times throughout the day to hear of Maddox's birth. My tears are just absolutely flowing, and am so sad for you, but as we both know your little Maddox is one of the new little angels in Heaven. I am so, so, sorry for your loss! I will have you and your family in my prayers tonight and in the days to come!

Praise You Heavenly Father for You do all things well! I ask that you wrap this sweet and faithful family in a thick blanket of peace, suround them with Your love! Hold them tightly in Your hand, whisper sweetly to them as they seek your presence!

We are rejoicing that another beautiful soul is dancing around your throne!

oh sweet kenzie-so sorry to hear about this day and how tough it must have been... and yet i know you are confident that maddox is ALIVE and will be waiting for you. know that we are praying for you and your family.

I'm so sorry for the loss of your sweet baby boy. I lost my daughter at 23 days old in July of 2007 and I know she was waiting with God to welcome maddox to heaven. Pleaes if you need anyone to talk to who's lost a child don't hesitate to come to my blog and ask

Dear Sweet Family:I feel like you're family, because I've traveled precious Maddox's journey as I travel sweet Tristan's...he's my grandson...Trayc is my son. I have cried, prayed, asked God's Blessings on y'all and come to your site checking on you so many times. My heart breaks for all of you. Now, I'm asking our Lord Jesus to wrap His arms around y'all and touch your hearts and very souls with His special love and peace.I'm loving y'all in Jesus,Donna/Unci Manning-Hostetter...TN

So sad and yet happy all at the same time. I am so sorry that you had to experience such but know that it was God's perfect plan for whatever that reason may be. Praying for you as always and even more in the days and weeks ahead.

I expected to be so sad when I started reading this post...but the peace you have is calming. I'm so glad that Maddox was able to see his daddy as he took his first and last breath, and so happy he was surrounded by those who love him.

my heart breaks for you. thank you for sharing your story and struggle with the world. your faith is evident and god will bless your perseverence. Rest on him for peace during this time. I cant wait to meet your sweet maddox one day. he is probably hanging out with jesus now, in awe. Let us know if we can pray for anything else for you.

God is good all the time, all the time God is good! The scope in which Maddox has touched so many people, surely the Lord only knows.With His mercy and grace may you heal quickly. The Stanfield and Monzingo families have a strong advocate in heaven now!

I am so blessed to know that there are people with your faith & strength. I am so sorry for you loss, & pray the Lord will bring you peace & comfort. Your beautiful son was so fortunate to have you as parents - you gave him a chance at life. May God bless you all.

My heart is heavy for you this morning as I checked in to see when Maddox was born. I will continue to keep you in my prayers. I know the pain you are probably feeling but God will be faithful to you as you grieve and begin healing. Thank you for sharing your story with us.

I was referred here by Nathan and Tricia's website - you will be in my prayers today as you were yesterday. I'm SO sorry for the loss of your son, but am glad that you're seeking comfort in the Savior's arms.Sheryl - NJ

I am so sorry that Maddox's time here on earth wasn't longer - how we all longed to meet that sweet baby boy! Please know that your family continues to be lifted up to our Lord who grieves with you at your loss. Thank you again for the faithfulness you've shown in such difficult circumstances - you truly demonstrate the Christian way of living to us all.

Congratulations on the birth of your 2nd precious boy. My heart grieves with you as you mourn him, and I rejoice with you that the time you had with him is not the end. I'll be praying for you. -- Fern in Ohio

Kenzie, we are praying for you, Dusty and Deacon in your time of sorrow. We know your angel is now at peace in heaven. I'm glad you have family around you to at this time of your life. Love and Kisses to you from your cousins.Karen in Omaha

I am saddened to hear that you had such little time with Maddox, but I'm sure you will soon understand what he has taught everyone in his short time. He is no longer hurting.He is playing freely with other Trisomy babies, including my Ethan (Trisomy 13. Aug5th,2006 9:25am-10:15am)The loss of a child is something so ahrd to explain.If you ever need a should please contact me at mel_80@yahoo.com

praying for all of you in south jersey--so sorry you didn't get to spend more time with your sweet little but are so thankful you'll have all the time of eternity to catch up with him. may God bless you and give you peaceful hearts!

Praising God for the miracle of your beautiful son's life. Praying that He comforts you in this time of longing for your precious little one. Praying that God sends people to love and care for little Deacon during this time to allow you and your husband to be together.

Kenzie & family ~ my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time and always. you are so strong, so very, very strong....I so greatly admire you and your faith inspires me. My love and prayers are with you.Love you all tons.

I am praying that Jesus will hold you in His mighty hand and give you strength when you cannot find it on your own. Know that God holds every tear in His hand, He knows how you are feeling being that He too gave up a child. Knowing that my Creator chose to experience live with us, through similar situations, so that in our moments of intense pain or sadness or joy, He would know the very emotions we are feeling. Blessings of comfort, peace and joy are being prayed for you.

You have my heart today and always.What a precious and perfect verse God has given you for Maddox. My prayers will continue in the days and weeks ahead for you and your family. May the Lord continue to wrap you up and keep you close to His heart in His peace. Your little boys footprint is on my heart with so many others. I am so thankful to know that your trust is in Jesus.

As I read your blog the thought comes to me how Mary like are you both. Humble hearts accepting Gods will unconditionally. It is because of people like you our world has HOPE.I pray for your miracle baby and comfort to ease the pain I know you are experiencing.

I have been reading your story and am amazed at your strength. Our family went through a situation when our daughter gave birth to twins at 25 weeks. They were both born with multiple complications. Cooper lived 40 days and it was the darkest day of my life. I have had to dig deep into my faith to get thru this and find ways to help my daughter and son in law. It was doubled because we had to go back to the hospital the next day because Carson was still there and needed us. It just seemed like the pain was never going to end and then I think how selfish.Many special moments happened while the boys were in the hospital but one stuck with me. On day as I entered the NICU at a time I normally did not go I ran into a lady who was with her daughter and granddaughter as she had been in the NICU. They were telling me about their stay and ask me about mine. I told her about my grandsons and she told me she was a minister and went back and prayed for the family and especially the boys. She grabbed my hands and told me God had a plan for us all and it may be different from our plan but we were to take care of ourselves and let God take care of the boys. I will never forget that day and that special minister. Carson was in the hospital for 85 days and went home free of tubes, machines and medicine. He continues to amaze the doctors. We are forever grateful for Carson's progress but Cooper will always be in our hearts. These two boys were our first grandchildren and like everyone we never thought we would not be bringing home both boys. Walking those halls of the NICU you never know what you are going to face that day. That is an unexplainable feeling.I have had a very difficult time but reading your story and understand your relationship with God has helped me so much. I know that Maddox is in the arms of and angel and perfect in your heart and I think he and Cooper will be great friends as they run and play like little boys should be doing free of all pain, tubes, machines and medicine.I thank you for your story, and I send prayers of love to you and your family and especially Maddox. Our hearts will be with you Saturday.On special days I send balloons filled with love to Cooper, I shall also send them to Maddox.I found your site from my daughter list of friends on her site. Her blogsite is www.andrewandlaurenhess.blogspot.com

You have been in my thoughts all night-I'd keep checking the blog as and I've just now read-my heart is broken for you and I am thankful that your Maddox is now with our God waiting to see you all someday.Kim

Praying for your family, so thankful for the birth of Maddox and that he is now with Jesus. I will continue to pray for your family and that your journey will bring others to know & love the gospel.Brandi in PA

There are no words to express how thankful we all are for people like you. Your faith in the goodness of God and your steadfast, unwaivering love for our creator is truly awe inspiring. May you have peace and rest through this time and continue to know that you are all loved beyond imagination.

I just caught on to your blog recently and prayed many times over the past day for a safe delivery and for baby Maddox. I am so sorry for your loss but your faith will pull you through. Maddox is in the company of wonderful angels in heaven.

Praying for each of you. Praise Him for your sweet little boy who is surrounded by Jesus and His throne. May those around you support and lift you up in ways that bring you comfort. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God wipe away your tears.

I just want you to know that your story has touched my heart and my life. What amazing grace and testament to your faith in Jesus. I have found so much strength to face what is ahead for me because of you, Kenzie.

God knew what an incredible mother you are and gave you a baby to meet you at Heaven's gates and a child here on earth.

I am so sorry for your loss, but still amazed by you faith and honesty. This song seems appropriate. You and your family are in my prayers.

"Homesick," MercyMe

You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand timesAnd at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for youBut the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cryIs how long must I wait to be with you

I close my eyes and I see your faceIf home's where my heart is then I'm out of placeLord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehowI've never been more homesick than now

Help me Lord cause I don't understand your waysThe reason why I wonder if I'll ever knowBut, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the sameCause I'm still here so far away from home

I close my eyes and I see your faceIf home's where my heart is then I'm out of placeLord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehowI've never been more homesick than now

In Christ, there are no goodbyeAnd in Christ, there is no endSo I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I haveTo see you againTo see you again

And I close my eyes and I see your faceIf home's where my heart is then I'm out of placeLord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehowWon't you give me strength to make it through somehowWon't you give me strength to make it through somehow

Father,Bless this sweet family today and in the months to come. Surround them with love, support and hope. I thank you that your plans for them are to give them a hope and a future. We praise you for Maddox and the huge impact this sweet little guy has made on complete strangers around the world. May the hearts of those who read of his story never be the same. Thank you that your love endures forever.In Jesus precious and healing name.Amen.

I'm so sorry for your loss, yet I rejoice that Maddox is home in heaven. May God fill you and your family with peace and surround you with his love.Your story has given me such a pro-life passion. Thank you for helping me see the truth - every child, no matter what the situation, is a gift from God.In your time of pain, please know that Maddox's story has touched my life and perspective. Thank you for sharing.

Kenzie,I'm so proud of you for your faithfulness and strength as you welcomed little Maddox. I'm thankful he was able to look into the eyes of his daddy, and then into the eyes of his heavenly Father. What a blessing!

I've been amazed to see the comments on your page jump up every time I check your blog - the fact that so many people are praying for family gives me a renewed joy. We're praying for you whole-heartedly.

We are honored to be lifting your sweet family up in prayer. Though Maddox is now with Jesus & not in your arms, he will always be a part of your family, he will always be your little boy. May the presence of Christ overwhelm you now & in the months & years to come.Matt & Ginny Mooney(eliot's dad & mom:))

Praying the Lord would sustain you and comfort you with His perfect peace. May you find comfort in 2 Corinthians 1, and know that God is going to redeem all of your sorrows. Our hearts and prayers are with your family.

My dear friends,I share in your sorrow and pray for you. I too am a father of a T18 baby, Joshua, who left us to the Lord Dec. 15, 2007.You are gret parents that gave Maddox even that wonderful moment of life in this world.God Bless youDiego (Canada)

Your story breaks my heart. I am one of those who will ask why. These questions are the reason I have no faith. Why, if there is nothing more innocent than a child, is there so much suffering for them? Why if you are such good people, did this happen? Why does this happen to ANYONE? I just don't understand. Incompatiable with life...words that should never be associated with a child. Ever. I ask questions like these every day. My sweet oldest daughter has spina bifida and hydrocephalus. And I do want to know why. What did she do wrong. What is the purpose for your sweet Maddox. I read your entire history, every child taken, every parent hurting, I just can't see a reason for such pain. It just doesn't make sense. Saturday is my birthday, and while I blow out my candles, my wishes will be for you.

Our hearts go out to you and your family. I am so very sorry for your loss. Your faith and devotion in God will carry you through this time, reminding us that he loves his children and he will take care of Maddox. I especially love what you wrote about the Lord being faithful in answering our prayers even if they are not answered in the ways we expect. We just have to remind ourselves that he has a purpose for each of us and we may not see why things happen the way they do today but the answers will be revealed in time. We will continue to pray for all of you. God Bless. ~Sabrina and Tom

I read about Maddox around 8 this morning and have had the comment box up for three hours now, trying to determine what to say. But, I know from experience that truly, the Lord is the only One who can ease your pain. And He will.

It is so weird how a person can be so sad for a loss, yet happy (that Maddox is not suffering) all at the same time. I am trying my best to not make this entry 10 pages long...there is just much I want to say.

You are one of the bravest people I have ever 'met.' I am so blessed by being able to read your family's journey. Thank you for being so good to update so many complete strangers with what is going on in the midst of your very personal grief. MANY are being drawn closer to Christ because of sweet Maddox.

Time will help. God's grace and strength are sufficient, and He will get you through. I know you know that in your heart. But I also know that right now, the pain is very real. Draw close to Him.

There is a song that my church choir is working on right now by Ron Hamilton called, "God is good." Even after being 6 weeks removed from what happened with our child, each time we practice the song, I am unable to get thru it because of the flood of emotions that come over me. Many emotions hit me, but the one that always stands out is just knowing the TRUTH that is behind the words of the song. The music is so beautiful, and the chorus says this:

God is goodthru every trial and testGod is goodand I know His way is bestEven when I can not seeThe purpose of His plan,Still I understandGod is good.

The value of a life is not in its length but in God's purpose for it. God has a purpose for Maddox's life. We don't know and can't see the full extent of that purpose. But God is already at work in people's hearts and minds. He is drawing people to Him. He is using the incredible faith he has given Dusty and Kenzie and their writings to bring people to faith in Him. Maddox has had an incredible impact. The actions and words of Dusty and Kenzie have strengthened my faith. He is having a larger impact than many others who have lived much longer lives. We cannot even begin to imagine how God is using Maddox to draw others to Him.

Dusty and Kenzie will no doubt feel great sorrow in the coming days. But their faith is in God and His plan and in the purpose God had for their son Maddox. They grieve, but not as those who have no hope. There is suffering in this world... but God uses it (not causes it) to shift our priorities to Him... where they should be.

I am praying for happiness for you and your children. I hope God draws you to Him. Thanks for posting and God bless.

Hi Kenzie - I wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you and would like to extend my sincere sympathy to you and your family. I'm so sorry you did not have more time with Maddox. My heart goes out to all of you. I look forward to seeing Maddox's pictures. I'm Mary Grace Summons' grandmother from MD and linked to your website through Mary Graces' blogspot. Janice

Prayers for you, your husband and Deacon. It brought tears to my eyes to read that Maddox opened his eyes to see his daddy before he got his wings and went to heaven with Jesus. I have been following your story. You are a strong person. You are in God's hands...the safest place to be. I love the verse for Maddox. God bless you!

I am so incredibly sorry for your great loss! What a blessing that he survived the birth and you were able to meet him briefly. You will be in my prayers. I know this must be so difficult for the new big brother to understand as well, so will be holding him close to my heart as well.

Kenzie,Another note to let you know that I am thinking of you. Every time I closed my eyes this morning and slept a little I was thinking of you, Maddox and Mary Grace. It's weird to read all the comments and not see one FROM you and to know they are TO you. I hate this for you. Praying for you always.With love,Kim

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Many thoughts and prayers for your family at this time. May the Lord wrap his arms around you and give you peace.

We are going to The Throne of Grace in prayer for you and your family. How lucky is your little Maddox to be with our Heavenly Father right now, with no pain or sorrow or tears! We pray that you will find comfort and strength in God's arms and through support of your family and friends.

Just felt the need to let you know how truly sorry I am for your loss. It brings back so many emotions from when we lost our little boy early (8weeks along I had a miscarriage)but we found out he had T18 and T21.

I am so amazed at your strength. May God bless you all in the coming days, weeks and years.Kate in MN

Kenzie,I got the prayer request for your family from Holly (at 2nd West). Please know that my family is praying for you - and I have posted a prayer request on my blog so that my friends can be praying for you, too!Much love to you and your family!

Everything happens for a reason. God has a purpose for everyone of us. And that was the case for Maddox. Jesus was asked about the blind man he had healed, whose sin it was that the man was born blind. Jesus' response was that the blind man was born blind so that Jesus could display to the people God's work. Maddox was used by God to share His love to everyone that has read and responded to your blog. God bless your family.

my heart broke when i heard the news about maddox this morning - but i have been blessed beyond words by your testimony in this blog... what an impact your little man has made on this world! know that we love you guys so much and pray that God will continue to use you and your sweet family's testimony to encourage and bless others.

OH Goodness. First, I want to offer congratulations on becoming parents to another beautiful boy! And secondly, I am deeply sorry for the loss of your youngest son... Hold each other tight today and tomorrow and the next day...and the next-And the precious memories you have of little Maddox-Hold them, too- until you see him in Heaven. I will pray that Jesus gives you comfort.Candice & Co in Nebraska (CF Husband Blog)

How sweet to know that Maddox is enjoying the Savior, without ever having to endure a moment of suffering or pain. Praying that Jesus will bind up your hearts and give you incomprehensible peace through the days to come. We know that He will lead you through every hardship. His purpose for your lives will continue without fail.

We know that ALL things work together for good of those that know and trust the Lord! May He keep you in His mighty arms as you face the days ahead. Maddox was a blessed little man to have you as parents! I am so grateful that God has heard and answered your prayers and I know that He will continue to do so, for our desires are His. Praying for you all, that God's peace will settle over the three of you like a mantle.

Know that we are praying for you guys. Sorry he went so soon. Know that the Lord is faithful and will see you through this. Trust in Him. He is in control and is surely good. Let us know what we can do for you.

Kenzie, Dusty, Deacon, and all extended family... Andy & I will continue to pray for all of you as you continue to walk with the Lord through this journey. We love you all & prayers are sent to you from Knoxville, TN

I am a friend of the Hostetter's and have been following your blog along with Tristan's on a daily basis. I just wanted you to know that my children and I are praying for you and your family tonight, just the same as we have for the other families on this journey with you. I hope you feel God's peace tonight and always.

I found your blog thru CF Husband. My heart is saddend with yours as I know somewhat how you feel. My Moses is in heaven probably running with Maddox right now. We had a special verse for Moses also - Psalm 139 and one meaning of his name is Created for Special Purposes. We felt nothing but love, peace and grace as we faced the days without Moses but God was so good and faithful, He met our needs through His children. I pray that you experience that same love, peace and grace and that you find solace in HIM tonight.ErinnMarylandwww.moses-mackay-ragan.memory-of.com

Please know that my husband and I are praying for you and your family. We love you even though we have never met. Our sweet little angels have bonded us here on Earth and I look forward to meeting little Maddox when I get to heaven one day. God bless. Know we are thinking of you.

I came across your website on Nate and Tricia's blog. Your faith and strength are

God knows what you are going through as He gave his only son to save us ... He is with you guiding your steps and holding you and Maddox in His loving arms. Maddox is in the BEST HANDS possible until you get there to be with him.

I couldn't help but hearing one of my favorite songs in my heart as I read your story:

Blessed be Your name when the sun’s shining down on me When the world’s “all as it should be” Blessed be Your name And blessed be Your name on the road marked with suffering Though there’s pain in the offering Blessed be Your name

You give and take away You give and take away My heart will choose to say Lord, blessed be Your name

Congratulations on bringing one of God's precious miracles into this world and feeling his blessings while he was here, if not for just a brief moment. God Bless your sweet baby son and I will pray that he is flying high with the angels. I will keep you and your family in my prayers as you say goodbye to your little one.

What a testament of faith you have given so many by your post. Your Maddox has made a difference in his short but blessed life.